Testing, Testing

This week I finished knitting the Leaves, Or Not sweater for Brianna’s nephew. It came out a little bigger than I expected… but I guess the great thing about knitting for babies is that if it comes out too big, they’ll always grow into it!

Also, I mentioned last week that I was hoping washing and blocking would help with the puckering issue I was having with the button band of the sweater. It did, to a certain extent. It’s not as noticeable as it was before washing and blocking, so I’d say in general I’m happy with the result. I still have to sew on the pockets and elbow patches, which I’m hoping to get done today.

Leaves or Not sweater blocking in the backyard under the grape vines.Ready to sew on pockets.

I also finished the French press cozy that I was making for Sophie, and I’m going to be giving it to her today (along with a shiny new French press)! It was self-drafted, and I’m planning to share the pattern soon. It will be a very easy pattern, perfect for a beginner. I think it came out looking really cute.

Now I’m working on the test knit I mentioned last week. So far it’s going great, and the pattern is easy-peasy to follow. Hopefully I’ll be able to share a finished tank top with all of you next week!

On the reading front, I really don’t have very exciting news to share. I’m still working on the same book. I know, I know, it’s such slow going. But it’s because I barely have time to read, between all this knitting and home remodeling, and of course having an actual full time job, there’s barely a moment to breathe.

I’m also spending any time that I might have otherwise been reading, writing. A coworker friend and I recently started a little informal writing club, and it’s been the motivation I needed to finally really get serious about working on a novel idea I’ve had for…well, years now. I think it’s a decent idea, I’ve just lacked the discipline to really make progress on it. This time, though, I’m really determined. I’ve decided to dedicate myself to writing 1,000 words each weekday. Weekends are bonus – if I write, good, if not, it’s ok. Updates forthcoming on how this goes…

I’ll be going to Austin, TX this weekend to visit college friends (Hook ’em Horns!) and go to the Pride parade, so hopefully the flights there and back will turn out to be some good reading, writing, and knitting time.

Here are a couple pictures of my parents’ grape vines, because I like them and don’t know where else to put them. You can see the effect the drought has had on the production of these vines, especially in the second picture. It’s sad to think that growing up, we always had tons of delicious grapes in August. These days we get a lot of shriveled up dry grapes and maybe a couple of good ones.

4 Comments

I know, it really just takes up every spare moment, doesn’t it? And during the work it’s not that fun, but I totally agree – sitting down and having a beer and admiring your handiwork afterwards is definitely worth it! 🙂